Abuja, Nigeria – Former Bayelsa State governor, , has formally resigned from the (PDP) and declared his membership of the newly formed (NDC), where he has also been appointed the party’s National Leader.
In a statement announcing his decision, Dickson said the move was driven by his conviction that Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state. He noted that while many politicians have recently defected to the ruling (APC), joining the governing party was never an option for him.
According to him, the creation of the NDC has been a long process in which he played a key role, describing himself as one of those who helped midwife the emergence of the new political platform.
Dickson criticised the APC government, accusing it of failing to properly manage Nigeria’s diversity, worsening the country’s security challenges, and mishandling the economy in ways that have led to growing poverty, hunger, and public frustration. He also raised concerns about what he described as the shrinking democratic space and the rejection of meaningful electoral reforms after more than a decade of APC rule.
Despite his departure, Dickson acknowledged the role the PDP played in his political career and said leaving the party was a painful decision. However, he stressed that the country requires fresh political thinking and leadership guided by principles rather than convenience.
The former governor said the NDC is being positioned as a national platform for patriots committed to building a stronger and fairer Nigeria. He outlined the party’s priorities to include strengthening national security, expanding access to education and healthcare, promoting industrialisation and local production, modernising agriculture to ensure food security, empowering women and youths, and pursuing true federalism through greater devolution of powers.
He also stated that the party would advocate an independent judiciary, a free press, responsible economic management, environmental protection, infrastructure expansion, and large-scale job creation across multiple sectors.
Dickson further addressed speculations about possible alignment with the (ADC). While appreciating the party’s resistance to pressures that could lead to a one-party system, he said he was yet to clearly understand its position on several key principles he strongly believes in.
“I am not sure if the ADC is a coalition or a collision,” he remarked, adding that he hopes the party will clarify its direction as Nigeria’s democratic landscape continues to evolve.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and responsible leadership to rally behind the NDC, describing it as a movement aimed at building a nation founded on true federalism, democratic accountability, and shared prosperity for all citizens.
